Hawaii's undocumented immigrants on edge over new deportation rules

New federal guidelines that could significantly expand the number of undocumented immigrants who are detained or deported is raising concerns for Hawaii's immigrant community, say Hawaii lawmakers and immigration attorneys.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration unveiled new rules outlining how undocumented immigrants will be targeted, saying the changes are aimed at bolstering public safety.

White House officials argue the guidelines are aimed at going after wrongdoers, but Hawaii immigration attorney Clare Hanusz said the orders are broad enough to include the deportation of undocumented immigrants who've simply overstayed their visas.

"These people are our neighbors. They're people who run local businesses. Their kids go to our kids schools," Hanusz said. "They're living in extreme fear right now."

The Migration Policy Institute estimates that there are 21,000 illegal immigrants in Hawaii. Nearly two-thirds of them are listed as being from the Philippines or Japan.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Hawaii, worries about the unintended consequences that the Department of Homeland Security directive will have on those undocumented immigrants.

"What (President Trump) does may have a broader effect and may actually take those out that we don't want to see leave the country," she said.